Animals inspire my life and my art (http://sarahhauser.neoimages.net). This blog is about my journey with animals, and especially my connection to them through my work with them as a Tellington TTouch Practitioner for Companion Animals and Reiki Master with special certification in Animal Reiki. I also incorporate Debono Moves, Bach Flower remedies and Chakra Healing and into my practice. Thank you to all the animals and people who continually teach me as I continue this journey.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Rusty at BARC Shelter: The Beauty, Power and Wisdom of a Senior Cat

Rusty is a very elegant, dignified and very sweet older cat. An older gentleman cat. He is probably about
18, with kidney issues and probably other health issues as well. He
arrived at BARC Shelter probably a year ago, looking very frail and as if
he would not be with us long.

However, he is a real trooper, and after being cared for medically and receiving much TLC from all who know him, he has been in a
holding pattern - hanging in there, being well-cared- for, enjoying his food and getting love and attention
from everyone.

I love him, and often spend Reiki time with him. He purrs and curls up, very contented, taking in the energy.

Colin, one of the two wonderful keepers of the cats at BARC, told me last
week that Rusty was really not doing well, and he thought me may be
ready to pass soon. Rusty did look even more frail than usual, and I
also had a sense he was going to pass soon.

I sat with Rusty for a long
time with Reiki. I told him I loved him and it was all right if he
needed to leave his body. That he was safe and everything would be all
right. I started to feel so sad for him, then I heard a very clear
message from him. He said, "I have lived a good life."

I
found that to be so moving, and I knew what he meant by that. He was
satisfied and comfortable and fine if he needed to leave his body. For
animals it is so much less of a big deal than it is for us humans. Cats particularly are so fluid between the earthly plane and the spirit world.

He wanted me to let go of my sadness, and realize that everything was as it was supposed to be.

And I
felt so much gratitude coming from him. And I felt so grateful for
him, and grateful to learn from his wisdom.

As I sat with him with Reiki, he was purring and purring. I pictured him big, a very big cat, the size of a cougar. First I saw him surrounded with light, then I saw him resting in the grass. I still felt sadness, but I felt joy as well, in these beautiful and moving moments with him. I felt he was sharing the depth of his powerful and loving spirit.

When I left, I knew that I could be saying goodbye to him for the last time. I told him it was fine, if he needed to fly, fly, fly.

The next
day, I called Colin and he told me that Rusty was doing
better, hanging in there. It is a week later and so far he is on
the earthly plane. We realize he is near the end of his road, but if he
can still have some happy moments before he goes, that is great. We
will see what happens!

Thank you so much to my BARC friends for all that you do. And thank you Rusty, for sharing your wisdom and love and precious time with me.